Chelsea Appoint Liam Rosenior As New Head Coach
3 min read
By Sedara Philip
Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Liam Rosenior as their new head coach, ending speculation following Enzo Maresca’s departure on New Year’s Day.
The 41-year-old Englishman joins the Blues from French side Strasbourg, signing a five-and-a-half-year contract that includes an option for an additional season.
Rosenior arrives at Stamford Bridge with growing managerial credentials, having impressed during his 18-month spell in Ligue 1.
Rosenior will be present in the stands at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night when Chelsea face Fulham in the Premier League.
He is expected to officially begin work on Thursday, taking charge of his first training session ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup third-round clash against Charlton Athletic.
Speaking after his appointment, Rosenior expressed pride and gratitude at being handed the role.
“I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club,” he said.
“To be entrusted with this role means the world to me. I want to thank everyone involved for the opportunity and the faith shown in me.
I will give everything to bring the success this club deserves.”
Chelsea’s interim manager, Calum McFarlane, who oversaw Sunday’s 1-1 draw away at Manchester City, revealed he had already spoken briefly with the incoming coach.
“I wouldn’t be giving him any advice because he is a really accomplished coach,” McFarlane said.
“I’m here to support him, but I won’t be giving him advice.”
Rosenior was appointed Strasbourg head coach in July 2024 and guided the club to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, securing European qualification for the first time in eight years.
Despite a recent run of five league games without a win, Strasbourg currently sit seventh domestically and top of their UEFA Europa Conference League group.
His final game in charge was a 1-1 draw away at Nice on Saturday.
Reflecting on his time in France, Rosenior described the period as the highlight of his career but admitted the Chelsea opportunity was impossible to refuse.
“The last 18 months have been a joy and the best of my professional career,” he said.
“I care deeply about this club, which is why I felt it was right to answer questions in person before moving on.
I will love Strasbourg for the rest of my life, but I cannot turn down Chelsea.”
A former Fulham and Hull City defender, Rosenior has never previously managed in the Premier League.
However, he insists he is ready for the challenge.
“I would not have accepted the Chelsea job if I wasn’t ready,” he added.
“There are clubs you simply cannot turn down. I hope Strasbourg fans understand that and can feel proud.
I’ve had interest from many clubs, including Champions League sides, and I’ve always been open about that with the president and ownership.”
In an unusual and emotional farewell, Rosenior returned to Strasbourg after agreeing terms with Chelsea to explain his decision in a press conference at Stade de la Meinau.
He answered tough questions from local journalists, spoke warmly about his favourite moments, and said he wanted supporters to hear directly from him why he was leaving mid-season.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that both Chelsea and Strasbourg are owned by BlueCo, a shared ownership structure that could attract scrutiny if results do not go as planned.
Nonetheless, Rosenior appeared driven by transparency and respect, closing one chapter with honesty as he steps into what he described as “one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
